James Maughan (October 1826 – 8 March 1871) was a Methodist minister in Adelaide, South Australia.

James Maughan was born at Seaton Burn, near Newcastle-upon-Tyne and from an early age attended the Methodist New Connexion Sunday-school.

He was a brilliant speaker, and at age 20 was called on to replace the ailing Rev.

He was sent to Melbourne, Victoria aboard the Blanche Moore to serve as a New Connexion missionary, arriving in August 1862.

In April 1869 he left for England, in company with Samuel Way, in the hope of regaining his failing health, then returned without improvement aboard the Yatala and was back in Adelaide in October 1870, but never returned to his former level of activity.